Rev. Duran DeBarr

July 23, 2013

DeBARR, Reverend Duran L. "Uncle Buck", 87, of Gerry, NY, formerly of Follansbee and Wellsburg, WV, was led home by angels on Sunday Morning, July 21, 2013, at Heritage Village, Gerry, NY.

You are now reading my obituary which says I am dead - don't believe it for a moment for I am very much alive. In fact, I am more alive than I have ever been before. Let me tell you my story.

I was born on January 18, 1926, in Ten Mile, WV. I was the son of the late Alfred and Pearl (Hollen) DeBarr.

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I ran off with the love of my life, Anna Downs. We eloped and were married on September 25, 1943.

I lived my life always with heaven as my goal. I was ordained in the Free Methodist Church. I was the Pastor of the former Follansbee Free Methodist Church and the Avella Free Methodist Church.

I attended school at age of 40 and received my BA in Religion and Philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY. I was very proud to graduate with my youngest daughter, Josephine. I was listed as a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities. I loved the school so much; I began to work at Roberts Wesleyan College as the Director of Auxiliary Services, retiring after 26 years of service. I was honored to have the 1982 Yearbook dedicated to my service to Roberts Wesleyan College. I later became a bus driver with the Churchville School System.

I celebrated a milestone with my wife, Anna, on September 25, 1993, our 50 years of marriage. We had a wedding with my family members serving as wedding attendants. What a joyous day for my family!

I have been involved in the Free Methodist Denomination for 65 years. In addition to my ordination as a minister, I was ordained as an elder of the church. I am a member of the Pittsburgh Conference of the Free Methodist Church. I loved being in the church as an encourager to young people in their lives. I am a member of the Roberts Wesleyan College Raider Sports Club.

In my retirement, my wife and I resided at Heritage Retirement Village, Gerry NY. I loved to watch sports on TV, playing board games and attending events at Roberts Wesleyan College; but most of all, I devoted my life to my family and Christ.

I welcome my family and friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the James Funeral Home, 1245 Main St., Follansbee, WV (304) 527-1717 and again on Thursday, July 25, 2013, from 12 noon until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at the Brooke Hills Free Methodist Church, 1340 Washington Pike, Wellsburg, WV, with my former pastor and dear friend, Reverend Forrest States and Reverend Bryce Grieco, officiating.

My interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Colliers, WV.

As a living legacy of my life, Memorial Contributions may be made to the DeBarr Athletic Scholarship, Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624.

I invite you to visit www.chambersandjames.com to celebrate my life through condolences and stories to my dear family. Only God can still our hearts and quiet our minds. In Christ all things are possible.